Sutoro Women commemorate Martyr Alaria Ishtar, emphasize empowerment of Syriac women in North and East Syria

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — In a ceremony held in Hasakah, North and East Syria, the Syriac Security Forces (Sutoro) Women gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the martyrdom of Alaria Ishtar. The event, attended by representatives from the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo d’Bethnahrin, MUB), Bethnahrain Women’s Protection Forces (Ḥaylawotho d’Sutoro d’Neshe d’Beth Nahrin, HSNB), Sutoro, and institutions of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), aimed to honor the sacrifice of the martyrs.

During the commemoration, Sutoro Women organized a symposium featuring a lecture on the rich history of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women. The discussion covered their enduring struggle, sacrifices for freedom, and the historical violence and adversity faced by Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women.

In a powerful call to action, Sutoro Women urged Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women to stand against any form of abuse, advocating for their right to bear arms and join the forces without fear. The symposium concluded with a statement highlighting the remarkable contributions of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women to development and progress over the ages.

The statement underscored the resilience of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women, praising Leader Mikhail Naim for his significant role in organizing the community and establishing their institutions. It paid tribute to the struggle and resistance of Martyr Alaria Ishtar, emphasizing her commitment to protecting her people’s sons and daughters.

Speaking about the role of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women in society, Tiamat Shimon, the leader of Sutoro Women, shared insights during the symposium. Additionally, Elias Youssef, an officer in Sutoro, lauded the lecture in a statement to SyriacPress. Youssef congratulated Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women for their courage and intellect, emphasizing their ability to unite women globally in male dominated societies.

Expressing solidarity, Youssef pledged support for men standing alongside women until the establishment of their own military forces. Together, they stood united in various military campaigns, including Raqqa, Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor), Al-Shaddadi, and Al-Hol.